To these objections the Committee replied, that upon the re-assembling of the Provincial Congress, the subject would be laid before them.

As might have been anticipated, the Commissioners and Romans soon became involved in an unpleasant controversy; the former claiming, as superintendents, the right to approve or reject his plans, and to direct the mode of operations, while they openly declared the expense to be greater than the Province could tolerate. Romans as emphatically informed the Commissioners that they had simply to furnish men and money, and while by virtue of his appointment he would build the works, they must reserve their condemnation or approval until the Fortification was completed.

The Continental Congress, while debating Romans's plans early in October, passed a resolution of inquiry as to the propriety of constructing a battery at "Moore's house" [situated in what is now known as Washington's Valley], and at a point on the west side of the river, above Verplanck's [now Caldwell's Landing].

To this inquiry the Commissioners replied on the 16th of October, noting the progress of the works on the island, and declaring that a battery at "Moore's house" would be entirely useless. The point above Verplanck's they pronounced too easy of access, but at Pooplopen's Kill, opposite Anthony's Nose, they earnestly recommended that defences be erected. This is the earliest mention made of the position afterwards known as Fort Montgomery.

The Provincial Congress, on the 3d of November, having ordered three companies to proceed to, and constitute the garrison at Martelaer's Rock, it was "Resolved" on the

8th, by the Continental Congress, "That a Commander, with the rank of Colonel, be appointed to take command of the Fortifications or Fortresses in the Highlands on Hudson's River." On the same day this body further appointed Robert R. Livingston, Robert Treat Paine, and J. Langdon a Committee, to "take an accurate view of the state of our Fortifications on Hudson's River, and to report as soon as it can be conveniently done."

This Committee reported to John Hancock, the President of Congress, on the 23d of November, “That the Fortress at Martelaer's Rock was in charge of Messrs. Grenell, Bedlow, and Lanman, Commissioners appointed by the Provincial Congress to superintend the work, which was carried on by Mr. Romans, agreeably to his plans presented to Congress. We must own," continues the report, "that we found the Fort in a less defensible situation than we had reason to expect. It does not command the reach to the southward, nor can it injure a vessel turning the West Point; and after she has got around, a small breeze, or even the tide, will enable a ship to pass the curtain in a few minutes.

"The Fortress is unfortunately commanded by all the grounds about it; but the most obvious defect is, that the grounds on the West Point are higher than the Fortress, behind which an enemy might land without the least danger. In order to render the position impassable, it seems necessary that this place should be occupied, and batteries thrown up on the shore opposite, where they may be erected with little expense, as the earth is said to be pretty free from stone, &c."*

* Am. Arch., IV., III., 1657.

This is the first official recommendation to occupy West Point, and establish batteries on the east side of the river, near Garrison's, on record [Nov. 23, 1775].

From Fort Constitution, December 7, the Commissioners again reported to the Provincial Congress, that "the point at Pooplopen's Kill is the best by far for any defensive works in the Highlands, and that a battery there would command the river up and down, the length of point-blank shot."

The controversy with Colonel Romans at this time had attained such proportions, and was accompanied with such exhibitions of warmth, that Messrs. Nicoll, Palmer, and Drake were directed by the Provincial Congress to repair to the Highlands, and there endeavor to adjust the difference between the parties.

Mr. Palmer, on the part of this Committee, reported on the 14th of December, that Romans "must either have mistaken the charge committed to him, or else he has assumed powers with which he was not intrusted." The report reiterated the opinion before given, that the works did not sweep the river southward; and to effect this a barbette battery on the Gravel Hill, on the southeast shore of the island, to mount eight eighteen-pound guns, was recommended. [The Hudson River Railroad now skirts the Gravel Hill.] The Committee were earnest in the opinion that the works on the island were insufficient, and strong in their recommendation to plant a work at Pooplopen's Kill, which would mount sixteen or eighteen guns, and "sweep the river to the point of the Dunderberg, a distance of three miles, and up the river quite as far."*

*Am. Arch., IV., IV., 421.